Sony Xperia V - The Bond Phone

Sony Xperia V - The Bond Phone

It's been quite some time since we last heard from Sony Mobile, but here they are with a new Android device. That being said, the company has been slow to the LTE race. Fortunately, that status won't last long as the company's Skyfall-flavored and first LTE-ready smartphone device, the Sony Xperia V, has finally climbed onto the LTE bandwagon in Singapore.

Taking design and hardware cues from its previous devices such as the arc and arc S, the Xperia V comes with a slim form factor and the trademark Mobile Bravia Engine 2 for excellent viewing on its display. And of course, the Bond namesake is with good reason - like its Xperia Go and Acro S siblings, the device comes with an extra level of durability; in the case of the Xperia V, it is equipped with the highest level of water resistance that a smartphone can endure (IP57 - you can check the definition here and here).

So what do we have to say about the latest device from Sony Mobile? We compile our quick hands-on experience from the event right after the specs jump:-

If you are in the market for an affordable LTE device, the dual-core Xperia V is one you might consider given its fashionably slim profile and multimedia prowess, though its late adoption in embracing the Android 4.1 platform might put off some users looking to use the latest of everything, including the OS. On the upside, at least the the phone is slated to get the updated for release in the next few months. There aren't many LTE devices in the sub-S$700 price range, but the Sony Xperia V isn't the only option. For one, there's also the recently announced HTC One SV. Both phones are pretty similar in specs, but the Sony Xperia V seems to edge the One SV out in terms of its 13-megapixel camera, water-resistant body and 720p screen. And if you are considering switching over to the Windows Phone 8 platform, there's the Nokia Lumia 820 up for consideration too. You might also be interested to know that among them, both the Sony Xperia V and the Nokia Lumia 820 support NFC technology if you're hoping to incorporate that in your new lifestyle. Here's how they stack up:-

Sony Xperia V will be available in Singapore on 8 December 2012 at all telco operator stores, Xperia stores and Sony stores in black or white color options at a recommended retail price of S$698. If you are a big fan of the iconic British spy, James Bond, here's some good news: the limited Xperia V Bond edition will start selling first (only available in black) and it will come with Skyfall-inspired packaging. It will also come pre-loaded with extra digital content such as James Bond wallpaper designs, the signature Bond ringtone and the Bond notification message alert tone. This reminded us of the previous James Bond inspired phone, the Sony Ericsson C902 that was featured in Quantum of Solace and its catchy packaging that is ideal for movie memorabilia collectors.